Montenegro Series 1

Chapter 2

“What is it you want to tell us, dear?” Mrs. Montenegro asked gently as we sat at the dinner table.

I cleared my throat and forced a smile. “I’d like to ask permission from you and Mr. Montenegro… about my decision to move out. I know it won’t be easy for you to agree, but please, let me go. I can take care of myself now.”

Their forks froze midway. Both of them looked at me in shock, disbelief etched on their faces.

“Levi, that’s quite a surprise,” Mr. Montenegro said with a frown. “Why? Is Mike mistreating you? Has he been shouting at you again? That son of yours has no manners, Thalia!” His fists tightened.

“No, Mr. Montenegro,” I said firmly, shaking my head. “It’s not like that. It’s just… I feel embarrassed. You’ve both done so much for me. I don’t want to keep depending on you forever. I need to stand on my own feet and start a new chapter of my life. Please don’t take this the wrong way. I’ll always carry the love you’ve given me as a debt of gratitude.”

They still looked stunned, as though I had spoken a language they couldn’t understand.

“Oh, Levi, we’ll miss you,” Mrs. Montenegro whispered sadly. She stood and pulled me into her arms. “Is this truly your final decision?”

“Yes.” I hugged her back, trying to hold back tears.

“If that’s what you want, we won’t stop you,” Mr. Montenegro finally said. “But remember, you can always call us if you need anything.”

“Thank you,” I said softly.

“Have you found a place already?” Mrs. Montenegro asked with worry on her face.

“Yes, at Tessa’s apartment. You remember her, right?”

“Oh yes. That’s good. When will you be moving?” Mr. Montenegro asked.

“Next week.”

Before the conversation could continue, laughter and heavy footsteps approached. I turned and saw Mike, his friends, and his girlfriend, Trisha.

Mrs. Montenegro expression soured instantly. She had never liked Trisha, claiming she lacked decency.

“Mom, Dad,” Mike greeted, kissing his parents cheeks.

“Have you eaten, Mike?” Mrs. Montenegro asked.

“I already have,” he said casually, his arm draped around Trisha, who clung to him like ivy.

One by one, his friends greeted his parents. When Trisha leaned in to kiss Mrs. Montenegro's cheek, I saw the disgust flicker in Mike's mom eyes.

“Stay away from my son,” she whispered coldly.

Trisha only smirked, flicked her gaze toward me, and raised an eyebrow. “Sorry, Ma’am, but if your son keeps running after me, there’s nothing you can do.” She looped her arm tighter around Mike’s.

“We’ll be in the balcony,” Mike said, leading her away.

I rolled my eyes as they passed. Royce, one of his friends, winked at me, and I gave him a faint smile.

When they were gone, Mrs. Montenegro let out a heavy sigh and pressed her fingers to her temples. Mr. Montenegro quickly helped her back into her seat.

“Mrs. Montenegro, are you okay?” I asked gently.

“No, I just… I really don’t like that woman,” she muttered.

“Sweetheart, let it go,” Mr. Montenegro soothed. “We can’t control who Mike chooses to love. He’s old enough.”

“Maybe you should rest,” I suggested.

“You’re right, dear.” Mr. Montenegro helped her to their room, leaving me alone.

I went to the kitchen for some juice and found Aling Sita preparing food. She looked pale and weary.

“Are you alright, Aling Sita?” I asked, guiding her to a chair.

“I feel dizzy,” she admitted.

“You should rest,” I urged.

“I can’t. I need to bring this food to Mike and his friends.”

Seeing her so exhausted pained me. “I’ll do it. Don’t worry.”

She hesitated. “Are you sure?”

“Of course. I’ve got this.”

She smiled faintly. “I only worry because of you and Mike. Sometimes, I think he likes you.”

I laughed lightly. “Oh, Aling Sita. I don’t like men who only know how to shout. He’s definitely not my type.”

I arranged the tray and carried it to the balcony. From afar, I saw Trisha’s brows furrow the moment she realized I was the one bringing their food.

I set the dishes down, ignoring the whistles of Mike’s friends.

“Thanks, Levi,” Drei said, helping me with the glasses.

“My pleasure,” I replied.

“But why are you the one serving this?”

“Aling Sita felt dizzy, so I offered to bring it.”

Suddenly, a loud crash split the air. Mike and Rey were on the verge of fighting.

Drei quickly stepped in. “Hey, calm down! What’s going on?”

My instincts screamed to intervene, but I stopped myself. If I stepped in, Mike would only lash out at me again.

“Relax,” Rey snapped. “What’s wrong if I like Levi? You’re the one who said she’s just freeloading here. So why do you care?”

His words hit me like a blow. My heart clenched as my gaze locked with Mike’s. His eyes were unreadable, a storm I couldn’t decipher. That silence cut deeper than any insult.

I clenched my fists, turned away, and walked off quickly. Tears blurred my vision until they spilled over. I didn’t care. I just wanted to get away.

I found myself in the garage, chest heaving, wiping my tears furiously.

“Levi, wait!” Rey’s voice called after me.

I didn’t turn.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t know you were there,” he said softly.

“Leave me alone,” I muttered.

He was about to reach for me when another voice cut through.

“Levi!” Mike’s commanding tone.

I stiffened but didn’t look back. “I said leave me alone! Both of you! I just want to be by myself!”

“It’s late, it’s dark outside. Where do you even plan to go?” Mike said. His voice wavered between concern and authority.

I spun around, anger and hurt surging. “Wow, Mr. Montenegro. Concerned, are we? After everything, now you suddenly care? Impressive.”

“Who told you I care?” he shot back.

I laughed bitterly, shaking my head. “You’re right. Why would you? I’m nobody to you. Just a freeloader in this house, right?” My voice broke, tears streaming again.

And then. BAM.

Mike collapsed onto the pavement, blood trickling from his lip. His father stood over him, fists clenched, fury blazing in his eyes.

“Damn you! You heartless boy!” Mr. Montenegro roared.

A car screeched into the driveway, is Micah. She jumped out in her prom dress and rushed to her brother.

“Daddy, what happened?” she cried.

“Ask your brother,” Mr. Montenegro snapped, grabbing my arm to pull me away. Luckily, Drei and Rey restrained him, or Mike might have taken another blow.